During the past few years
Larry E. Caver, Jr., published several fine works concerning the Yellowhammer
State. Researchers will be glad to know that he has added more volumes to his
series. One of the latest is TRANSCRIPTIONS FROM DEEDS & MORTGAGES, AUTAUGA
COUNTY, ALABAMA (1820 - 1833).

This work contains transcriptions of
genealogical data from the earliest surviving book of deed and mortgage records
in Autauga County. Although many transactions transpired between local
inhabitants, some concerned people who owned land in the area but lived
elsewhere. Because these sellers lived outside the county, the material includes
"powers of attorney." These documents may provide "genealogical gems" about
relatives residing in another part of the state or country.

Despite the name, a deed and
mortgage ledger can include a wide assortment of documents, even wills. In 1824,
for instance, Eli TERRY was ordered to produce James PICKETT's will, which was
entered in the records. Of particular interest are the numerous "gifts of deeds"
in which living individuals bequeathed property to loved ones, thereby
establishing the relationship between the grantors and grantees. In 1823, for
example, John RICHARDSON of Autauga County, gave furniture and livestock to his
sister Anna.

Genealogists researching
African-American lines will find this book a valuable resource since it contains
names of more than 200 slaves and a few free blacks. Often, early settlers
recorded deeds of sale in Autauga County for their slaves from other states.
Benjamin AVERETT/AVERETTE/AVERITT entered information about slaves he had
purchased from men in Virginia and Georgia. Generally, these types of deeds
furnish the name of the previous owner, date and place of purchase, name and age
of the slave, and relationship (if any) between slaves.

Because these records concern such a
wide variety of material, family researchers may discover a genealogical gold
mine of information about their forebears in this area. Caver's
TRANSCRIPTIONS FROM DEEDS & MORTGAGES, AUTAUGA COUNTY, ALABAMA (1820 - 1833)
is a worthwhile addition to genealogical literature on the Yellowhammer State.

The 181-page paperback has an
attractive map of the county on the front cover. Contents include an
introduction by the author, a full name and place index, and a list of other
resources pertaining to Autauga County. Priced at $24 postpaid, the book may be
ordered from Larry E. Caver, Jr., P. O. Box 520, Wilmer, AL 36587.

Charles N. Ferguson, 811 South
Market, Shawnee, OK 74801 is seeking information about the family of Lillia
GRACE, born about 1775, and Thomas GRACE, born about 1790. They are listed on
the 1820 census of White Co., TN. The county courthouse in Sparta, TN, has no
GRACE wills and no cemetery listings for the GRACE surname have been found. Did
they go with George W. GRACE to Arkansas by 1840 or onto Texas by 1850? George
W. GRACE, born about 1792 in TN, was head of household in Hopkins Co., TX. In
which county in AR did George W. live before moving to TX?

Bonnie Bright Johannes, 5594 North
10th, Apt. 103, Fresno, CA 93710-6586 (e-mail:
bonniejohannes@hotmail.com)
would appreciate information about John TRIBBLE, b. in SC and died in 1852 in
Yalobusha Co., MS. His wife was Ann M. What was her maiden name?

Johannes also needs data on the
parents of Jane TRIBLE who married William PERRY. They resided in Holmes and
Yalobusha counties, MS. Were Jane and John related?